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Orange Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Orange Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

This Orange Chicken Freezer Meal recipe offers a delicious, homemade version of a beloved takeout favorite. Tender, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast are coated in a light egg white and cornstarch batter, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and then smothered in a tangy, sweet orange sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and a blend of savory seasonings. Perfect for meal prepping, this flexible recipe can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, making weeknight dinners quick, easy, and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Orange Sauce

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, pureed or minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken sauce)

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  2. Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the diced chicken and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture. This creates a light batter that crisps up nicely when fried.
  3. Fry Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the coated chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, stirring frequently, until each piece is golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove cooked chicken and drain on paper towels; repeat with remaining chicken.
  4. Make Orange Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together orange juice, water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Transfer the sauce mixture to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil while stirring continuously. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Combine and Serve: Pour the thickened orange sauce over the fried chicken pieces. Garnish with sliced fresh green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice or steamed vegetables.
  7. Freeze for Later: For freezer meal prep, place the uncooked orange sauce in a labeled gallon-sized freezer bag, removing excess air before sealing. Put the cooked and cooled chicken in a separate labeled gallon-sized freezer bag. For convenience, place the sauce bag inside the chicken bag. Freeze until ready to use.
  8. Reheat Frozen Meal: To reheat, thaw the orange sauce bag by placing it in a bowl of hot water. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the frozen cooked chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through. Simultaneously, heat the thawed sauce in a saucepan, bringing it to a boil and then simmering for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Pour sauce over the chicken and garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor; avoid concentrate or artificially flavored juices.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain crispiness.
  • The sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or tang by varying honey and vinegar amounts.
  • This recipe can be served over steamed rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • When freezing, make sure chicken is fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Freezer Meal, Easy Dinner, Make Ahead, Meal Prep, Healthy Takeout, Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/orange-chicken-freezer-meal-recipe/